Commodity Buyer

Purpose

As a Commodity Buyer, you will manage a defined commodity group, ensuring timely and cost-effective procurement for both OEM and Aftermarket (Spares) requirements within a dynamic NPI manufacturing environment.

The role combines transactional procurement activities, including RFQs, negotiations, purchase order management and supplier communications, with strategic sourcing responsibilities. You will support procurement strategies, supplier performance improvement, cost reduction initiatives, and the development of long-term supplier relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage sourcing and purchasing activities including RFQs, negotiations, PO placement and acknowledgements.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, driving performance, cost reduction and commercial improvements.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, working closely with Engineering, Design, Planning and Operations teams.
• Support strategic sourcing activities, supplier evaluations and contract awards.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, commercial terms and long-term agreements.
• Provide sourcing recommendations based on market analysis, benchmarking and industry trends.
• Promote sustainable and ethical sourcing practices.
• Lead or support continuous improvement, outsourcing and re-sourcing projects.
• Support supplier audits and evaluations.
• Manage supplier non-conformance processes and invoice query resolution.
• Coordinate change requests with internal stakeholders.
• Manage PO cancellations and minimise associated costs.
• Provide sourcing, lead time and cost input for OEM and aftermarket commercial bids.

Key Performance Measures

• Procurement cycle time and on-time ordering performance.
• Supplier on-time delivery and acknowledgement performance.
• Purchase order accuracy and responsiveness.
• Material spend against budget.
• Cost reduction savings delivered versus target.
• PO cancellation levels and associated costs.
• Supply chain responsiveness to demand requirements.

Knowledge & Experience

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of procurement and sourcing principles.
• Commodity procurement experience, ideally within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Knowledge of supply chain planning, MRP and ERP systems.
• Understanding of Supplier Relationship Management (SRM).
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Power BI and Microsoft Project.
• Experience within engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, aftermarket or NPI environments is advantageous.

Education

• Degree-qualified or equivalent relevant experience.
• CIPS qualification (or working towards) desirable.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Commercially focused with strong negotiation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across functions and locations.
• Self-motivated with a results-driven approach.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Customer-focused mindset.
• Ability to identify and drive process improvements.
• Capable of interpreting technical drawings and manufacturing documentation.
• Proficient in ERP systems, Microsoft Office and Power BI.
• Comfortable leading or influencing change initiatives.

Professional Experience

• Minimum 3 years' experience in commodity procurement or purchasing.
• Procurement experience within manufacturing, engineering, aerospace or other regulated industries preferred.
• Understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes and MRP planning systems.
• Training can be provided for the right candidate with strong transferable skills.

Key Relationships

Internal

Engineering, Design, Quality, Planning, Operations and other cross-functional teams.

External

Suppliers of varying sizes across global markets.

Additional Information

• Occasional travel may be required.

AVIC Cabin Systems UK Ltd is an equal opportunities employer

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